System and method to monitor and report condition of a consumable product

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided to monitor, store and communicate data on parameters of a consumable product stored in a sealed container. In one embodiment, the method includes hermetically sealing the product in the container, and packaging the container for sale to a consumer. Packaging includes attaching a system to the container to monitor and store in the memory data on parameters of the consumable product. Attaching the system includes affixing a flexible substrate including a laser-detector pair directly to an outer surface of the container. The laser-detector pair is configured to pass laser light through the container to reflect from a reflector affixed to the outer surface of the container opposite the laser-detector pair to non-invasively sense parameters of the consumable product. The method further includes providing an interrogator to the consumer to communicate with the system to access the data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/182,203, now abandoned, filed Jun. 14, 2016, which claims the benefitof priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/187,687, filed Jul. 1, 2015, both of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method tomonitor and report conditions of a consumable product, and moreparticularly to an instrumented label, wrap or closure to sense,measure, digitally store and communicate data about a consumable productstored in a container.

BACKGROUND

Consumable products stored or transported within sealed containers aresubject to degradation in quality over time arising both from chemicalreactions occurring in the product or container, and environmentalconditions, such as heat, cold, light, leakage, moisture or pressure, towhich the container is exposed. For example, when white wine or red wineis exposed to air, the color of the wine changes. In aged wines, bothwhite and red, this is natural and to be expected. But if wine is young(1 or 2 years old), it can be a sign that the wine has been exposed totoo much air. This can either mean the bottle has been open for a fewdays or it may have happened in the winery or during the bottling with apoorly air sealed/defective bottle cork, or poorly sealed/defective winetank.

Additionally, it is frequently desirable for a purchaser or consumer ofthe consumable product to be able to quickly and reliably identify orauthenticate and track a manufacturer, manufacture date andmanufacturing batch of the consumable product.

Thus, there is a need for a system and method to help monitor, store andcommunicate data on condition or parameters of a consumable productstored in a sealed container.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention a systemincluding an apparatus, such as a label, wrap or closure in or on acontainer holding consumable product, such as a wine bottle, in abarrel, and/or fermentation tank, to monitor, store and communicate dataon parameters of the consumable product is described.

In one embodiment, the method includes hermetically sealing the productin the container, and packaging the container for sale to a consumer.Packaging includes attaching a system to the container to monitor andstore in the memory data on parameters of the consumable product.Attaching the system includes affixing a flexible substrate including alaser-detector pair directly to an outer surface of the container. Thelaser-detector pair is configured to pass laser light through thecontainer to reflect from a reflector affixed to the outer surface ofthe container opposite the laser-detector pair to non-invasively senseparameters of the consumable product. The method further includesproviding an interrogator to the consumer to communicate with the systemto access the data.

In another embodiment, the system includes a processor, a memory, aconnectivity means to outside, and a number of sensors coupled to theprocessor, the number of sensors including a first flexible substrateaffixed directly to an outer surface of a neck of the container andincluding a first laser-detector pair configured to pass laser lightthrough a headspace inside the container to reflect from a firstreflector affixed to the outer surface of the neck of the containeropposite the first laser-detector pair to non-invasively senseparameters of the consumable product including Trichloroanisole (TCA),and a second flexible substrate affixed directly to an outer surface ofa body of the container and including a second laser-detector pairconfigured to pass laser light through the consumable product in thecontainer to reflect from a second reflector affixed to the outersurface of the body of the container opposite the second laser-detectorpair to non-invasively sense parameters of the consumable productincluding one or more of dissolved concentrations of oxygen, carbondioxide, sulfur dioxide and TCA, and an interrogator configured tocommunicate with the system to access the data on parameters of theconsumable product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be understood more fully fromthe detailed description that follows and from the accompanying drawingsand the appended claims provided below, where:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for sensing, monitoring, storingand communicating data on parameters of a consumable product placed in acontainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an apparatus including an intelligentenclosure also known as a cap, cork, or stopper according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates an intelligent enclosure also known as a cap, cork,or stopper according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate alternative embodiments of the intelligentclosure of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the apparatus in whichthe intelligent closure includes a threaded cap according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus including an intelligent sensing labelaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments of a flexible substrate includinga flexible battery for use with the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 7;

FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus including an intelligent wrap accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of processor and supportelectronics, memory and sensors interface integrally formed on a singlechip that is particularly useful with the intelligent label and theintelligent wrap of FIGS. 5 and 7; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a parameterof a consumable product according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system for sensing, monitoring, storingand communicating data on parameters of a consumable product in acontainer including the intelligent label and the intelligent wrap ofFIGS. 5 and 7, and the cap of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for sealing a product in acontainer, and packaging the container for sale to a consumer includingattaching a system for sensing, monitoring, storing and communicatingdata on parameters of the product in the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to a system and method tosense, monitor, store and communicate data on parameters of a consumableproduct stored in a container.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures, and techniques are not shown in detail or are shown in blockdiagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring an understandingof this description.

Reference in the description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to thesame embodiment. The term to couple as used herein may include both todirectly electrically connect two or more components or elements and toindirectly connect through one or more intervening components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 the system 100 includes anenclosure or apparatus 102 with a transponder 101 in or affixed to acontainer 104 holding a consumable product 106, and an interrogator unit108 in wireless 112, or wired 110 communication or connectivity meanswith the apparatus 102. The apparatus 102 is adapted or configured tomeasure and store data on a number of parameters of the consumableproduct 106 in the container 104. Parameters include, but are notlimited to, information used to identify and track a manufacturer,manufacture date and manufacturing batch of the consumable product 106,age, temperature history, Acetic Acid level, pH history, Carbon Dioxide(CO₂), dissolved oxygen (O₂) or total oxygen content of the container,pressure and/or sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

The interrogator unit 108 can be configured to communicate with theapparatus 102 through wired 110 or wireless 112 technologies. Examplesof suitable wireless technology 112 include Near Field Communication(NFC), or Far Field Communication, such as Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID). By Near field communication (NFC) it is meant atechnology that enables wireless devices to establish radiocommunication with each other by touching the devices together orbringing them into proximity to a distance of typically 10 cm (3.9 in)or less. By Far Field communication (FFC) it is meant a technology thatenables wireless devices to establish radio communication withpropagating RF electromagnetic radiation through a space separating thedevices, typically at a distance of 10 cm (3.9 in) or more.

Generally, the interrogator unit 108 is further configured or adapted toprogram the apparatus, including storing information on a manufacturer,manufacture date and manufacturing batch, calibrating the sensors,setting parameters to be sensed and measured, frequency of measurements,and alarm set points, and to read and/or display data received from theapparatus.

The interrogator unit 108 can include a mobile device such a cellulartelephone, a tablet or notebook computer or a dedicated mobile devicepurpose made to communicate with the apparatus 102. Alternatively, theinterrogator unit 108 can include a desktop computer or PC, aworkstation or a control panel or system. It will be understood thatthis last embodiment is particularly advantageous where the container isnot a single bottle of wine, but a cask or fermentation tank in a wineryor hundreds to thousands of bottles of wine in a winery.

Optionally, as in the embodiment shown, the system 100 can furtherinclude or be connected to a remote processing, storage and analyticsunit 114, such as a computer or server, through a wired and or wirelessInternet Protocol (IP) network 116 for storing, analyzing and sharing ofthe data on the parameters to be sensed and measured, or a status of thesystem.

The apparatus 102 can further include or be formed in a closure used toseal the container 104, such as a cork, a screw on cap, or stopper, orintegrally formed in or on a flexible substrate, such as a label or wrapaffixed to the container. Embodiments of the apparatus 102 will now bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2A through 8.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2C, in one embodiment the apparatus 202further includes or is formed in a cork or stopper 204 placed in acontainer (not shown in this figure). The stopper generally includes anatural or synthetic material that is impermeable, elastic andnon-reactive or compatible with the consumable product stored in acontainer. Suitable materials include, for example, cork, rubber andsynthetic or man-made plastic or rubber compounds.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the apparatus 202 further includes housed withinor attached to the stopper 204 a number of sensors 206, processor andsupport electronics 208, and a memory 210 coupled to the processor andsupport electronics. Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B,the processor and support electronics 208 and memory 210 are fabricatedon or mounted to a single substrate, such as a printed circuit board(PCB 212). Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the memory210 and processor and support electronics 208 can be integrally formedas a single integrated circuit (IC), such as a system on a chip, whichis then attached to the PCB 212.

More preferably, as in the embodiment shown some of the sensors 206 a,b, c, d, include components that are also fabricated on or mounted tothe PCB 212 and positioned to sense conditions or parameters of theconsumable product through an opening 214 in the stopper 204 to thecontainer.

In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors 206 b can be or caninclude a probe 216, such a thermocouple, electrodes, wire or a tube,which passes through the opening 214 into container. The probe 216 canbe positioned so as to be at least partially immersed in the consumableproduct, or to be positioned in a headspace in the container. Referringto FIG. 1, by headspace 103 it is meant a volume left empty at a top ofan almost filled container 104 before sealing.

In another embodiment, also shown in FIG. 2B the sensors can include oneor more laser diodes or lasers 206 c, such as each capable of generatingdifferent wavelengths and a detector such that when the laser light isemitted through opening 214 and reflected from the consumable product,or a reflective surface of the container itself, or a reflective surfaceor reflector 218 inside the container or a reflector affixed to an outersurface of a transparent container, the reflections are sensed by one ormore detectors 206 d. Changes in the reflected laser emissions can beused, for example, to measure color and other parameters, such asphenolics, gas and chemical content in wine.

Alternatively or additionally in yet another embodiment, shown in FIG.2C, the sensors can include one or more lasers 206 e, each capable ofgenerating different wavelengths and positioned relative to one or moredetectors 206 f such that the laser light is passed through gases in theheadspace and/or the content to detect and measure gases therein, suchas, for example, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Sulfurdioxide is commonly used as a preservative in bottling wine, and thepresence and concentration of SO₂ can be used to indicate stability of awine, i.e., whether or not it has been oxidized, and how it isdeveloping. The presence and concentration of CO₂ can indicate whetheror not the substance in the container has been a contaminated with agrowing organism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the laser 206 eand detector 206 f can be fixed to the circuit board 212 and positionedrelative to one another so that the laser light is passed directlythrough the gases in the headspace, which enter through opening 214, tothe detector. Alternatively, like the lasers 206 c and detectors 206 ddescribed above the laser 206 e and detector 206 f can be configured andpositioned to pass laser light through the opening 214 on to a reflector(not shown) in the headspace from which it is reflected back to thedetector. Other types of sensor such as chemical field effecttransistors (CHEMFETs) and/or Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistors(ISFETS) can be used as sensors for gases and liquids. CHEMFETs aredevices structurally similar to MOSFET transistors, in which the chargeon a gate electrode is generated or applied by a chemical process inatoms, molecules, and ions in liquids and gases in contact with theCHEMFET. ISFETS are a particular type of CHEMFET used to detect ions inelectrolytes.

The memory 210 is configured to store data on the sensed and measuredparameters, and on the manufacturer, manufacture date and manufacturingbatch of the consumable product stored in the container. Optionally, orpreferably, the memory 210 is configured to store program information orcode from the interrogator unit (not shown in this figure) includingprogram code for calibrating the sensors 206, setting parameters to besensed and measured, frequency of measurements, and alarm set points.The memory 210 can include read-only-memory (ROM), volatile ornon-volatile random-access-memory (RAM) or a combination of all three.For example, the program code for calibrating the sensors 206, settingparameters to be sensed and measured, frequency of measurements, andalarm set points can be stored in an electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM) that can be accessed only through theinterrogator unit, while the data on the parameters of the consumableproduct sensed and measured by the apparatus 202 is stored innon-volatile memory, which enables data storage that is kept when nopower is applied to the apparatus. The sensors 206 can be calibrated,for example, following assembling of the apparatus 202 prior toplacement in a container by exposing the sensors to a known temperature,acidity or pH, CO₂ dissolved O₂ or SO₂ content, determining offsets oradjustment in gain necessary to calibrate sensors and storing thisinformation or code in the memory 210. Alternatively, some of thesensors 206, such as temperature sensors, can be calibrated using aseparate temperature sensor or thermometer external to the containerwith the assumption that the container and contents are at equilibrium.Other sensors 206, such as pH, CO₂, O₂ or SO₂ content can be calibratedusing information provided by the producer of the consumable product,since it is often the change in these parameters over time that is ofmost concern.

The processor and support electronics 208 can include biasing circuitsand power supplies, analog to digital converters (ADC), digital toanalog converters (DAC), and calibration circuits to interface with thesensors 206 to measure and digitize the sensed parameters. It is notedthat because been of the sensed parameters are monitored periodicallyand not continuously, many of the support electronics 208, such as ADCsand DACs can be shared, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of theapparatus 202 as well as power consumption.

In some embodiments, such as that shown, the apparatus 202 can furtherinclude a battery 220 to power the apparatus and store data in thememory 210 for many years. In one advantageous embodiment, shown in FIG.2B, the battery 220 is housed in the stopper 204 and the stopperincludes a removable cover 204 a that enables the battery to be replacedwithout removing stopper from the container or exposing the consumableproduct stored therein to the environment.

Optionally, the apparatus 202 can be powered by a wired or wirelessconnection to the interrogator unit. In one version of this embodiment,described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 3A, theapparatus 302 further includes one or more of the antennas 324, throughat least one of which it collects energy by electromagnetic inductionfrom radio waves produced by an interrogator unit.

FIG. 3A illustrates an apparatus 302 including a stopper 304 accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3B and 3Cillustrate alternative embodiments of the closure 304 of FIG. 3Aincluding different displays or means for displaying informationregarding the sensed and measured parameters and/or on a status of thesystem.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the apparatus 302 includes a stopper 304 housing aPCB 306 to which are mounted processor/support electronics 308, a memory310, and a number of sensors 312. Some of the sensors 312 are mounted tothe PCB 306 and configured or adapted to sense conditions or parametersof the consumable product through an opening 314 in the stopper 304through which gasses can pass to or from the container (as indicated byarrow 316). Others of the sensors 312 can include a probe 318, such athermocouple, electrodes, wire or a tube, which passes throughadditional openings 320, which may or may not be sealed.

The sensors 312 can include a temperature sensor (TS), which can beeither a contact or non-contact sensor. Contact temperature sensorsmeasure the temperature of a device in contact with the consumableproduct or the container holding the consumable product. Thus, thetemperature sensor can measure the temperature of the consumable producteither by measuring the temperature of the consumable product directlyor by measuring the temperature of the container in which it is storedtherein, and inferring that the two are in thermal equilibrium, that isby assuming there is no heat flow between them. For example, in the casein which the consumable product is wine stored in a bottle, thetemperature sensor can be in thermal contact with either the bottle orthe wine. Suitable contact temperature sensor (TS) for such measurementsincludes thermocouples, thermistors, bi-metallic, heat flux sensor,resistive temperature detectors/Sensor (RTDs/RTSs), and silicon bandgaptemperature sensors such as diodes and transistors.

Non-contact temperature sensors can provide the temperature of an objectwithout being in direct contact to the object. Examples of such sensorsare infrared thermometers, bolometers, laser/photo detector combination,and microwave sensors.

In either case a temperature sensor accuracy of about 0.5° C. isdesirable for these applications. In addition the size and powerconsumption required for some applications lends itself to use a contacttemperature sensor such as thermocouple, RTD or silicon bandgap sensor.

The sensors 312 can include a pressure sensor (PS) that measurespressure, typically of gases or liquids in the container. Pressure is anexpression of the force required to stop a fluid from expanding, and isusually stated in terms of force per unit area. A pressure sensorusually acts as a transducer; it generates an electrical signal as afunction of the pressure imposed. Pressure sensors can alternatively becalled pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders,pressure indicators, piezometers and manometers, among other names.Pressure sensors can vary drastically in technology, design,performance, application suitability and cost. Pressure sensors can beclassified as absolute or differential sensors. Many technologies can beemployed in making pressure sensors. Example of pressure sensorstechnologies are Piezoresistive strain gauge; Capacitive;Electromagnetic; Piezoelectric; Optical; Potentiometric; Resonant andthermal. Inside a sealed container, such as a bottle of wine thepressure of the headspace can be as high as 30 pounds-per-square inch(PSI). An increase in pressure of a sealed container can indicate apossibly undesired fermentation of the contents, while a decrease couldindicate a failure of the seal.

The sensors 312 can also include pH sensors (pH) to sense how acidic orbasic (alkaline) a consumable product stored in the sealed container is.The pH sensor (pH) measures values of a hydrogen ion concentration—whichordinarily ranges between about 1 and 10×−14 gram-equivalents perliter—into numbers between 0 and 14. On the pH scale a very acidicsolution has a low pH value such as 0, 1, or 2 (which corresponds to alarge concentration of hydrogen ions (10×0, 10×−1, or 10×−2gram-equivalents per liter), while a very basic solution has a high pHvalue, such as 12, 13, or 14 which corresponds to a small number ofhydrogen ions (10×−12, 10×−13, or 10×−14 gram-equivalents per liter). Aneutral solution such as water has a pH of approximately 7. pH is animportant parameter to be measured and controlled. For example, a low pHvalue can be a sign that acetic acid bacteria have been at work in yourwine causing a fault known as volatile acidity (VA). A little bit of VAcan add complexity and be a good thing, but when it dominates, itbecomes a fault.

A pH sensor is generally made up of three components; (i) a combinedelectrode, which includes a measuring electrode, a reference electrode,and a temperature sensor; (ii) a preamplifier; and (iii) an analyzer ortransmitter. The pH sensor essentially forms a battery where thepositive terminal is the measuring electrode and the negative terminalis the reference electrode. The measuring electrode, which is sensitiveto the hydrogen ion, develops a potential (voltage) directly related tothe hydrogen ion concentration of the solution. The reference electrodeprovides a stable potential against which the measuring electrode can becompared. When immersed in the solution, the reference electrodepotential does not change with the changing hydrogen ion concentration.A solution in the reference electrode also makes contact with the samplesolution and the measuring electrode through a junction, completing thecircuit.

The sensors 312 can further include one or more oxygen sensors (OS),such as an oxygen sensor to sense and measure oxygen concentration inthe headspace, and a dissolved oxygen sensor to sense and measure aconcentration of oxygen dissolved in the consumable product itself. Toomuch oxygen in the container or consumable product can lead tooxidation, which can destroy the flavor if not the nutritional value ofthe consumable product. For example, oxidized wines lose theirbrightness, both in color and in flavor. Bright reds turn to brick coloror brownish and fresh tastes develop drier, bitterer characteristics.Knowing the history or the amount of oxygen in a bottle over time givesa good clue as the quality of wine one taste. Other parameters such astotal package oxygen (TPO) is the head space plus dissolved oxygen isacceptable if only 1-2 mg/L. Knowing this fact, and the Oxygen Ingress(OI) known at bottling and the closure oxygen transfer rate, one canthen estimate the aging trajectory of a wine. For example it is knownthat a TPO value of 2-12 ppm in bottling wines is equal to 1-3 years ofpreservation for a wine.

Oxygen sensors can include a zirconia, lambda sensor is based on asolid-state electrochemical fuel cell in which two electrodes provide anoutput voltage corresponding to the quantity of oxygen in the headspaceor consumable product being measured relative to that in the atmosphere,or titania sensor that does not generate its own voltage, but changesits electrical resistance in response to the oxygen concentration.

The sensors 312 can further include a carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor tosense and measure CO₂ concentration in the headspace, and/or dissolvedCO₂ dissolved in the consumable product itself. CO₂ sensors can includenondispersive infrared gas sensors (NDIR) and chemical gas sensors. NDIRsensors are spectroscopic sensors that detect CO₂ in a gaseousenvironment by measuring a characteristic absorption of CO₂. The keycomponents are an infrared source, a light tube, an interference(wavelength) filter, and an infrared detector. Chemical CO₂ gas sensorsinclude CO₂ sensitive layers based on polymer- or heteropolysiloxanethat react with CO₂ to change the optical or electrical properties ofthe layers.

The sensors 312 can further include a sulfur dioxide sensor (SO₂). Thisis particularly advantageous where the consumable product beingmonitored using the apparatus and method of the claimed invention iswine. Sulfur dioxide is used in wine for preservation and typicallydecreases as wine ages or goes bad. Thus, knowing the history of theamount of sulfur dioxide in a bottle over time gives a good clue as thequality of wine one taste. Free or gaseous SO₂ can vary from about 2 to50 mg/liter or ppm, and is often the best indication of oxidation andhow wine is developing. Anything below 10 ppm for white wine is bad.

Finally, the sensors 312 can further include a Trichloroanisole (TCA)sensor. Depending on the wine, an acetic acid (vinegar) sensor willindicate spoilage compound, as well as TCA. The pH sensor can detectacetic acid. Alternatively, the TCA sensor can be a dedicated sensorthat detects TCA gases in the headspace through chemical sensors orabsorbance or scattering of wavelengths of laser light passing throughthe headspace, i.e., gas chromatography.

In another embodiment, the sensors can include one or more laser diodesand detectors (such as lasers 206 c, d and detectors 206 e, f shown inFIG. 2B) with varying wavelengths that can be used to detect CO₂ butalso phenolic compounds, color, and/or SO₂. Referring to FIG. 2B, thelaser diodes and detectors can be positioned relative to one another andto a reflector 218 so that the detector receives a reflection of laserlight passing through a liquid in the container, or only through gasesin the headspace.

Referring again to FIG. 3A, it is noted that in some embodiments theapparatus may further include a connector or jack 322 through which theapparatus 302 can communicate by a wired communication to aninterrogator unit (not shown in this figure). Optionally, the jack 322may further serve as a port by means of which the apparatus 302 can bepowered or to re-charge a battery (not shown in this figure) housed inthe stopper 304.

Finally, the apparatus 302 may further include one of more antennas 324through which the apparatus can wirelessly communicate with theinterrogator unit. The wireless communication can include either NearField Communication, or Far Field Communication, such as Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID).

Optionally, one or more of the antennas 324 may further serve to powerthe apparatus by electromagnetic induction from magnetic fields producednear the interrogator unit. For example, in one embodiment whereinmultiple apparatuses 302 are used in residential or commercial winecellar, each apparatus may advantageously be powered through oneantenna, eliminating or reducing the dependence on a battery to powerthe apparatus, but read out individually using communication through aseparate antennal by a single interrogator unit able to distinguish eachapparatus by a unique identifier or by a different frequency.

In another embodiment, the entire apparatus 302 may be or include andRFID system. An RFID system includes three components: an antenna orcoil; a transceiver with decoder, i.e., RFID reader; and a transponder,i.e., RFID tag, programmed with unique information. In this embodiment,the RFID tag is the apparatus housed in the stopper 304, and the RFIDreader is the interrogator unit. RFID tags are categorized as eitheractive or passive. An internal battery typically powers active RFIDtags. Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power sourceand obtain operating power generated from the reader. Both active andpassive RFID tags can be rewritten and/or modified. It will beunderstood that in an embodiment in which the apparatus 302 housed inthe stopper 304 functions as a passive RFID tag, parameters are sensed,measured and stored only while the interrogator unit is actively inwireless communication with the apparatus 302. However, by usingnon-volatile memory 310, trends in changes of the parameters over timecan still be tracked, and this embodiment, by eliminating the need forreplacing or charging a battery, provides the ability to continue tooperate over long periods of time, even a number of years, provided theapparatus is read on a regular basis.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3B, the stopper 304, which housesthe sensors, processing and power supply circuitry or elements describedabove, can further include a multi-digit or multi-character alphanumericdisplay 326 on the stopper 304, can output or display information on oneor more of the sensed and measured parameters and/or the status of thesystem. Information on the status of the system can include, forexample, power available in an internal battery, or failure of one ormore sensors. Information on the parameters can include indication whenone or more of the parameters, such as temperature or oxygen content;have exceeded a predetermined value or set point. The display 326 can beeither continuously active, activated when the apparatus 302 is touchedby a user, or active when the apparatus is brought within a fieldgenerated by the interrogator unit.

In alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3C, the stopper 304 can furtherinclude a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 328, which can outputor display information on one or more of the sensed and measuredparameters and/or the status of the system either by a color of the LED,a position or a LED relative to the remaining LEDs. As with the display326 described above, the LEDs 328 can be either continuously lit oractive, activated when the apparatus 302 is touched by a user, or activewhen the apparatus is brought within a field generated by theinterrogator unit. For example, the LEDs 328 can include an LED coupledto a temperature sensing circuit that when interrogated by theinterrogator unit or when the apparatus 302 is touched by the userilluminates with one color, for example red, when a predeterminedmaximum temperature has been exceeded, and another, for example green,or remains dark when the temperature has remained below the maximumtemperature since the last interrogation.

Optionally or additionally, the stopper 304 can further include anaudible device, such as a speaker or buzzer, to signal an out of setpoint parameter or condition of the system that requires attention bythe user. For example, the audible device can provide an audible signalto indicate a failing internal battery, or failure of one or moresensors.

FIG. 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 402 inwhich the intelligent closure includes a cap 404 having external orinternal threads 406 to mate with threads on the container (not shown inthis figure) sealing and affixing the apparatus to the container. Aswith the embodiments shown and described above with reference to thestoppers of FIGS. 2A and 3A, the apparatus 402 can further includehoused within or attached to the cap 404 a number of sensors 408, aprocessor and support electronics 410, and a memory 412 mounted to asingle substrate, such as a PCB 414 (shown in phantom in this figure).The sensors 408, processor and support electronics 410, memory 412 andPCB 414 can be configured as described in connection with FIG. 2A or 3A,and the apparatus 402 can be configured to communicate with theinterrogator unit through wired or wireless technology.

In another embodiment, the apparatus is formed in or includes a flexiblesubstrate affixed to the container in which the consumable product isheld. In one version of this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, theflexible substrate is a label that can further include printedinformation regarding the consumable product in the sealed container. Inone version of this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, the flexiblesubstrate is a wrap, which can cover substantially all of the sealedcontainer or a portion thereof. Optionally, the wrap can be affixed tothe container in such a way as to provide assurance that a sealedclosure in the container has not been tampered with.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the flexible substrate of theapparatus 502 is or includes a label 504 affixed to the container 506,an integrated circuit (IC 508) embedded in or attached to the label thatincludes a processor and support electronics, memory and, optionally,one or more sensors integrally formed in a single system on a chip(SOC). Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the apparatus 502 furtherincludes a thin layer of metal 510 or foil embedded in or attached tothe label 504, which is configured to form one or more antennas 512 forcommunicating wirelessly with an interrogator unit and/or the apparatusby electromagnetic induction from radio waves produced by theinterrogator unit, and to form a sensor 514, such as a contacttemperature sensor to sense a temperature of the container. Optionally,in embodiments in which the IC 508 includes a laser and a detector, thelayer of metal 510 may further include a reflector (not shown in thisfigure) to reflect laser emissions back towards the detector to measurecolor and other parameters, such as phenolics, gas and chemical contentin wine.

Finally, it is noted that although the IC 508 and metal layer 510 areshown as exposed in FIG. 5, that need not be the case and label can be alaminate including the flexible substrate of the apparatus 502 coveredby a decorative, dielectric layer, such as paper or a plastic, printedwith information regarding the consumable product in the sealedcontainer 506, such as a manufacturers name or trademark.

Alternatively or additionally in yet another embodiment the apparatus502 further includes a thin film battery consisting of a cathode, anode,and separator layers printed one on top of another on the flexiblesubstrate of the label 504. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,the flexible substrate 602 is or includes a flexible battery 604, andthe antenna and metal layers 606 substrate of the apparatus are formedon the flexible substrate. Generally, layers of the flexible battery 604are formed over the flexible substrate 602 in a manner similar to theway in which ICs are constructed, and then the antenna and metal layers606 are formed on a top or opposite surface of the flexible substrate.Layers of the flexible battery 604 are shown in detail in FIG. 6B.Referring to FIG. 6B, the flexible battery 604 generally include a firstflexible electrode 608, such as a cathode or anode, formed on theflexible substrate 602, a first separator layer 610 formed on the firstflexible electrode, a solid electrolyte 612 formed on the firstseparator layer, a second separator layer 614 formed on the solidelectrolyte, and a second flexible electrode 616 formed on the secondseparator layer. The flexible substrate 602 can include a thermoplasticpolymer, such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first and secondflexible electrodes 608, 616, can include a thin layer of metal, such asgold or chromium. The solid electrolyte 612 can include a compositeLi+-ion solid electrolyte. The separator layers 610, 614, can include ananoporous polymer or carbon nanotubes.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment the flexible substrate of theapparatus 702 is or includes a wrap 704 affixed to the container 706, anIC 708 embedded in or attached to the wrap that includes a processor andsupport electronics, memory and, optionally, one or more sensorsintegrally formed in a single system on a chip or (SOC). The wrap 704differs from the label 504 primarily in the location and extent to whichit covers the container 706. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the wrapis located on a neck of a sealed container 706, such as a wine bottle,and generally covers a much smaller area. In one advantageousembodiment, the wrap 704 is affixed to the neck of a wine bottle afterthe bottle has been sealed by a stopper covered by foil or a muselet sothat the wrap overlays at least part of the foil or a muselet tamper toprovide assurance that wine in the bottle has not been tampered with.

As with the label 504, the wrap 704 can, as in the embodiment shown,further include a thin layer of metal 712 or foil embedded in orattached to the wrap, which is configured to form one or more antennasfor communicating wirelessly with an interrogator unit and/or theapparatus by electromagnetic induction from radio waves produced by theinterrogator unit, and to form a sensor 714, such as a contacttemperature sensor to sense a temperature of the container. In theembodiment shown, the apparatus 702 further includes a thin film battery716 consisting of a cathode, anode, solid electrolyte and nanoporousseparator layers printed one on top of another on the flexible substrateof the wrap 704.

Optionally, in embodiments in which the IC 708 includes a laser and adetector, the layer of metal 712 may further include a reflector (notshown in this figure) to reflect laser emissions back towards thedetector.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of processor and supportelectronics, memory and sensors integrally formed in single IC 800 orchip that is particularly useful with the label and wrap of FIGS. 5 and7. Referring to FIG. 8 the IC 800 includes a number of input/output orIO ports 802 through which it is coupled to a number of sensors, such asthe temperature sensors 514 or 714 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7; a sensorinterface or conditioning circuit 803; a central processing unit (CPU804) coupled to the IO ports through a bus 806 to receive signals fromthe sensors and process them to generate measurements that are stored inmemory 808. As shown in FIG. 8, preferably the memory 808 includesread-only-memory (ROM 810) for storing the program code for calibratingthe sensors, setting parameters to be sensed and measured, frequency ofmeasurements, and alarm set points that can be accessed through theinterrogator unit, and random-access-memory (RAM 812) in whichparameters of the consumable product sensed and measured by theapparatus is stored. More preferably, the RAM 812 includes non-volatilememory that enables data storage when no power is applied to theapparatus.

Generally the IC 800 further includes a number of internalanalog-to-digital converters (ADC 814) to convert an analog signal fromthe sensors to a digital signal for processing by the CPU 804, a clock816 to synchronize and set an operating frequency for the IC, and apower supply 818 to supply power to the IC and sensors coupled thereto.Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the IC 800 further includes adecode and encode circuit 820 and analog front end 822 coupled to anantenna 824 to enable wireless communication between the apparatus andan interrogator unit. Optionally, the analog front end 822 and theantenna 824 may be configured to serve to power the apparatus byelectromagnetic induction from magnetic fields produced near theinterrogator unit.

Alternatively or additionally in yet another embodiment the IC 800 mayfurther include a laser 826 known to those skilled in the art as chip onwafer attachment (CoW), or die on wafer (DoW) attachment and a laserdetector 828 to measure parameters of the consumable product, such ascolor, phenolics, gas and chemical content in wine. Generally, the laser826 can include any suitable semiconductor laser capable of beingintegrally formed on a common substrate with the other circuits of theIC 800. For example, in one embodiment the laser 826 can include avertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). Similarly, the laserdetector 828 can include any suitable photosensor or photodetectorcapable of being integrally formed on a common substrate with the othercircuits of the IC 800. Suitable technologies for the detector 828include photodiodes, photoresistors, phototransistors andcharge-coupled-devices (CCD).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a conditionof a consumable product in a sealed container according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the methodbegins with the affixing an apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure in or on the container (902). Next, an initial setupor programming of the apparatus is performed (904). The initial setup orprogramming can accomplished, for example, by wired or wirelesscommunication with an interrogator unit or by a remote processing unitconnected through an IP network, and can include calibrating sensors ofthe apparatus, setting parameters to be sensed and measured, settingfrequency of measurements, and/or alarm set points. In some embodimentsthe initial setup can include storing in a memory of the apparatus dataor information on the manufacturer, manufacture date and manufacturingbatch of the consumable product stored in the container. Thereafter, oneor more parameters of the consumable product are sensed, measured anddata on the resultant measurements stored in the memory of the apparatusin accordance with the initial setup or programming (906). Next, thedata can be viewed or analyzed by a user using the interrogator remoteprocessing unit to monitor the condition of the consumable product(908). Finally, control, adjust and/or alarm settings and conditions canbe sent to the processor and support electronics and/or the remoteprocessing, storage and analytics unit (910).

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the apparatus or system forsensing, monitoring, storing and communicating data on parameters of aconsumable product 1002 in a container 1004 that is particularlysuitable for use or placement by a producer or manufacturer whenpackaging the consumable product. Referring to FIG. 10 in the system caninclude an intelligent wrap 1006, such as that shown and described inconnection with FIG. 7, an intelligent label 1008, such as that shownand described in connection with FIG. 5, and an intelligent cap 1010,such as that shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1-4.Generally, the system further includes an interrogator 1012 in wireless,or wired communication or connectivity means with the intelligent wrap1006, intelligent label 1008 or intelligent cap 1010. Preferably, as inthe embodiment shown the intelligent wrap 1006, intelligent label 1008and intelligent cap 1010 are electrically connected through a thin orconductive film 1013, through which power and signals can be conducted.

The intelligent wrap 1006 includes a first flexible substrate affixeddirectly to an outer surface of a neck portion or neck 1004 a of thecontainer 1004. The intelligent wrap 1006 includes at least a firstlaser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, configured to pass laser lightthrough a headspace 1016 inside the container 1004 to reflect from afirst reflector 1018 affixed to the outer surface of the neck of thecontainer opposite the first laser-detector pair to non-invasively senseparameters of the consumable product including one or more of oxygen,carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and Trichloroanisole (TCA). The reflector1018 is preferably formed on the same flexible substrate as the firstlaser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b. Because the light emitted by thelaser 1014 a is reflected it passes through the headspace 1016 twicebefore being received or detected by the detector 1014 b, therebyimproving the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurements. In apreferred embodiment, laser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, is capable ofemitting and detecting a number of different wavelengths to sense andmeasure one or more of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and TCA inthe headspace 1016. A processor in the system can control the laserdetector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, to operate at different wavelengths atdifferent times to sense and measure different substances, or asselected by the producer or purchaser of the a consumable product 1002.

The laser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, can sense the presence andmeasure the concentration of these elements or substances though eitherabsorption or scattering of particular wavelengths of light emitted bythe laser 1014 a, which results in attenuation in the reflected lightreceived by the detector 1014 b. For example, laser detector pair 1014a, 1014 b, can sense and measure the presence of TCA through absorptionwhen operated at NIR wavelengths of from about 2.5 to 25 μm. Optionally,the wavelengths at which the laser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, operateare selected not only to detect and measure the presence of certainsubstance in the headspace, but may also be selected so that thecontainer 1004 is substantially transparent to these wavelengths.

In addition to the laser detector pair 1014 a, 1014 b, the flexiblesubstrate of the intelligent wrap 1006 can further include one or moreof an antenna, a flexible battery and an IC embedded in or attached tothe wrap that includes a processor and support electronics, memory and,optionally, one or more sensors, all as described above with referenceto FIGS. 6 and 7.

The intelligent label 1008 includes a second flexible substrate affixeddirectly to an outer surface of a body portion or body 1004 b of thecontainer 1004. The intelligent label 1008 includes at least a secondlaser detector pair 1020 a, 1020 b, configured to pass laser lightthrough the consumable product 1002 inside the container 1004 to reflectfrom a second reflector 1022 affixed to the outer surface of the neck ofthe container opposite the second laser-detector pair to non-invasivelysense parameters of the consumable product including one or more ofconcentrations of dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide andTCA. The reflector 1022 is preferably formed on the same flexiblesubstrate as the second laser detector pair 1020 a, 1020 b. Because thelight emitted by the laser 1020 a is reflected it passes through theconsumable product 1002 twice before being received or detected by thedetector 1020 b, thereby improving the accuracy and sensitivity of themeasurements. As with the intelligent wrap 1006, laser detector pair1020 a, 1020 b of the intelligent label is preferably capable ofemitting and detecting a number of different wavelengths to sense andmeasure one or more different substance or elements.

The second laser detector pair 1020 a, 1020 b, can also sense thepresence and measure the concentration of these elements or substancesthough either absorption or scattering of particular wavelengths oflight emitted by the laser 1020 a, which results in attenuation in thereflected light received by the detector 1020 b. For example, laserdetector pair 1020 a, 1020 b, can sense and measure the presence of TCAthrough absorption when operated at NIR wavelengths of from about 2.5 to25 μm. As with the intelligent wrap 1006, the wavelengths at which thesecond laser detector pair 1020 a, 1020 b, of the intelligent label 1008operate can be selected not only to detect and measure the presence ofcertain substance in the consumable product 1002, but also so that thecontainer 1004 is substantially transparent to these wavelengths.

Finally, in addition to the laser detector pair 1020 a, 1020 b, theflexible substrate of the intelligent label 1008 can further include oneor more of an antenna, a flexible battery and an IC embedded in orattached to the label that includes a processor and support electronics,memory and, optionally, one or more sensors, all as described above withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 10, the intelligent cap 1010 can include a capremovably attached over a closure or stopper 1024 used to hermeticallyseal the consumable product in the container 1004, as in the embodimentshown. Alternatively, the intelligent cap 1010 can include anintelligent cork or threaded closure, such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4,used to hermetically seal the consumable product 1002 in the container1004.

Generally, the intelligent cap 1010 includes a PCB 1026 to which aremounted a processor 1028, a memory 1030, and support electronics 1032.As in the embodiment shown, the intelligent cap 1010 can further includea battery 1034 and/or one or more of antennas 1036 through one of whichit collects energy by electromagnetic induction from radio wavesproduced by an interrogator. Optionally, the intelligent cap 1010 caninclude further include an number of sensors (not shown) through whichit can sense and monitor a number additional environmental conditions towhich the container 1004 is exposed and that may impact the consumableproduct 1002, such as temperature, humidity, vibration or shock.

The interrogator unit or interrogator 1012 can include a mobile devicesuch a cellular telephone, a tablet or notebook computer or a dedicatedmobile device purpose made to communicate with the system. In oneparticularly advantageous embodiment for a system installed by aproducer or manufacturer as part of packaging the product, theinterrogator 1012 includes a software application or app, capable ofbeing executed on a programmable electronic device, such a cellulartelephone, and which software application the producer or manufacturerprovides to the to the purchaser or consumer of the packaged consumableproduct 1002 to enable the consumer to access the data on parameters ofconsumable product monitored and stored by the system. Generally, theinterrogator 1012 is further configured or adapted to program thesystem, including storing information on a manufacturer, manufacturedate and manufacturing batch, calibrating the laser detector pairs andother sensors, setting parameters to be sensed and measured, frequencyof measurements, and alarm set points.

Optionally, as in the embodiment shown and described in connection withFIGS. 3B and 3C the cap 1010 can further include a signaling means tocommunicate data or information on parameters of the consumable productby an audible 1038 or visible 1040 signaling device.

A method for sealing a product in a container, and packaging thecontainer for sale to a consumer including attaching a system, such asthat shown in FIG. 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 11.Referring to FIG. 11, the method begins with a producer or manufacturerhermetically sealing a consumable product in a container (1102). Asexplained above, this can be accomplished with a conventional seal orstopper, such as a cork or screw on cap, over which an intelligent cap,such as that shown in FIG. 3B or 3C, containing part of the system canoptionally be placed. Alternatively, the producer or manufacturer canhermetically seal the consumable product in the container using anintelligent cork, such as that shown in FIG. 3A, or a threaded,intelligent closure, such as that shown in FIG. 4.

Next, at least a first flexible substrate including a firstlaser-detector pair is directly affixed to an outer surface of thecontainer (1104). Generally, the first flexible substrate is anintelligent label or wrap as described above with reference to FIGS. 5and 7. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 10, the firstflexible substrate is an intelligent wrap and the first laser-detectorpair configured to pass laser light through a headspace inside thecontainer to non-invasively sense parameters of the consumable product.Preferably, the method further includes the step of affixing a secondflexible substrate including a second laser-detector pair directly to abody of the container to pass laser light through the consumable productas shown in FIG. 10, to non-invasively sense parameters of theconsumable product (1106).

Next, an initial setup or programming of the system is performed (1108).As with the method described in FIG. 9, the initial setup or programmingcan be accomplished through a wired or wireless link between aprogrammable electronic device and a processor located in first flexiblesubstrate (intelligent wrap), the second flexible substrate (intelligentlabel) or in an intelligent cap or closure covering or used in place ofthe conventional seal or stopper. The initial setup or programming caninclude calibrating the lasers and detectors of the first and secondlaser-detector pairs, setting parameters to be sensed and measured,setting frequency of measurements, and/or alarm set points. In someembodiments the initial setup can further include storing in a memory ofthe system data or information on the manufacturer, manufacture date andmanufacturing batch of the consumable product stored in the container.

Finally, an interrogator configured to communicate with the system isprovided to the purchaser or consumer of the packaged consumable productto enable the consumer to access the data on parameters of consumableproduct monitored and stored by the system (1110). Providing theinterrogator to the consumer can include providing a softwareapplication capable of being executed on a programmable electronicdevice. In one embodiment, the programmable electronic device is awireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone, and thesoftware application provided to the consumer enables the wirelesscommunication device to wirelessly communicate with the system.

Thus, embodiments of an apparatus or system and method to monitor, storeand communicate data on parameters of a consumable product stored in asealed container, have been described. Although the present disclosurehas been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, itwill be evident that various modifications and changes may be made tothese embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of one or more embodiments of the technicaldisclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen thatvarious features are grouped together in a single embodiment for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimedembodiments require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

Reference in the description to one embodiment or an embodiment meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe circuit or method. The appearances of the phrase one embodiment invarious places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to thesame embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: hermetically sealing aconsumable product in a container; packaging the container before saleto a consumer, wherein said packaging comprises affixing directly to anouter surface of a neck of the container the container a first flexiblesubstrate comprising a system including sensors, a processor and amemory to monitor and store in the memory data on parameters of theconsumable product, wherein the sensors include a first laser-detectorpair to pass laser light through a headspace inside the container toreflect from a first reflector affixed to the outer surface of the neckof the container opposite the first laser-detector pair tonon-invasively sense parameters of the consumable product; affixingdirectly to a body of the container a second flexible substrateincluding a second laser-detector pair to pass laser light through theconsumable product in the container to reflect from a second reflectoraffixed to the outer surface of the body of the container opposite thesecond laser-detector pair to non-invasively sense parameters of theconsumable product; and providing to the consumer an interrogator tocommunicate with the system to access the data on parameters of theconsumable product.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the parameterssensed using the first laser-detector pair include pH, oxygen, carbondioxide, sulfur dioxide or Trichloroanisole (TCA).
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the first laser-detector pair emits and detectsmultiple, distinct wavelengths to sense oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfurdioxide or Trichloroanisole (TCA) by gas chromatography.
 4. The methodof claim 1 wherein the first laser-pair emits and detects at least onewavelength that can pass through material of the container substantiallywithout attenuation.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein providing theinterrogator to the consumer comprises providing a software applicationcapable of being executed on a programmable electronic device.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 wherein the programmable electronic device comprises awireless communication device and wherein the software applicationprovided to the consumer enables the wireless communication device towirelessly communicate with the system.
 7. The method of claim 5 whereinthe programmable electronic device communicates with the system througha wired interface.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising analyzingdata from both the first laser-detector pair and the secondlaser-detector pair.
 9. A method comprising: hermetically sealing aconsumable product in a container; packaging the container before saleto a consumer, wherein said packaging comprises attaching a systemincluding sensors, a processor and a memory to the container to monitorand store in the memory data on parameters of the consumable product,wherein the sensors include a first laser-detector pair and a secondlaser-detector pair, and wherein attaching said system includes:affixing directly to an outer surface of a neck of the container aflexible wrap including the first laser-detector pair to pass laserlight through a headspace inside the container to reflect from a firstreflector affixed to the outer surface of the neck of the containeropposite the first laser-detector pair to non-invasively senseparameters of the consumable product including Trichloroanisole (TCA) bygas chromatography; and affixing directly to a body of the container aflexible label including the second laser-detector pair to pass laserlight through the consumable product in the container to reflect from asecond reflector affixed to the outer surface of the body of thecontainer opposite the second laser-detector pair to non-invasivelysense parameters of the consumable product including one or more ofdissolved concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide orTCA; and providing to the consumer a software application capable ofbeing executed on a programmable electronic device to communicate withthe system to access the data on parameters of the consumable product,wherein at least one of the flexible label or the flexible wrap includethe processor and the memory of the system.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein the programmable electronic device comprises a wirelesscommunication device and wherein the software application provided tothe consumer enables the wireless communication device to wirelesslycommunicate with the system.
 11. A system to monitor and store data onparameters of a consumable product in a sealed container, the systemcomprising: a first flexible substrate affixed directly to an outersurface of the container, the first flexible substrate including a firstlaser-detector pair in the first flexible substrate to pass laser lightthrough the container to reflect from a first reflector affixed to theouter surface of the container opposite the first laser-detector pair tonon-invasively sense parameters of the consumable product; a capattached to the container and electrically coupled to the first flexiblesubstrate, the cap including a processor and a memory to monitor,analyze and store in the memory data on the parameters of the consumableproduct; and an interrogator to communicate with the cap to access thedata on parameters of the consumable product stored in the memory. 12.The system of claim 11 wherein the first flexible substrate comprises aflexible label and is affixed to the container to pass laser lightthrough a liquid inside the container to sense one or more of pH,oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or Trichloroanisole (TCA). 13.The system of claim 11 wherein the first flexible substrate comprises aflexible wrap and is affixed to a neck of the container to pass laserlight through a headspace inside the container to sense one or more ofpH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or Trichloroanisole (TCA) bygas chromatography.
 14. The system of claim 13 further comprising asecond flexible substrate affixed directly to the outer surface of thecontainer and electrically coupled to the cap, wherein the secondflexible substrate comprises a flexible label including a secondlaser-detector pair to pass laser light through a liquid inside thecontainer to sense one or more of pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfurdioxide or Trichloroanisole (TCA).
 15. The system of claim 11 whereinthe cap further comprises a speaker to communicate to a consumer data onat least one parameter of the consumable product.
 16. The system ofclaim 11 wherein the cap further comprises a buzzer to communicate to aconsumer data on at least one parameter of the consumable product. 17.The system of claim 11 wherein the cap further comprises an alphanumericdisplay to communicate to a consumer data on at least one parameter ofthe consumable product.
 18. The system of claim 11 wherein the capfurther comprises a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) tocommunicate to a consumer data on at least one parameter of theconsumable product.